Five farmers in Paraquita Bay are now better equipped to support their agricultural operations following the distribution of five 1,000-gallon water tanks under the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Integrated Land Management (ILM) / Sustainable Land Management (SLM) programme. 

This initiative reflects a meaningful regional partnership aimed at promoting climate-resilient agriculture, improved land and water management practices, and long-term sustainability across OECS Member States. Through this collaboration, the Virgin Islands continues to benefit from targeted technical and resource support designed to strengthen food security and enhance the resilience of local farming systems. 

The tanks, each fitted with automatic shut-off valves, were officially distributed on Tuesday, 24 March. 

The programme was coordinated between the Premier’s Office and the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries. Agricultural Management Officer in the Premier’s Office, Mr. Orville Clarke, stated, “This effort forms part of a broader initiative to enhance water security and agricultural sustainability across The Virgin Islands. The tanks were received from the OECS in December.

The beneficiaries of this initiative are Ms. Moviene Fahie, Mr. Bryan Hodge, Mr. and Mrs. Anghel King, Mr. Ivan Mofford, and Mr. and Mrs. Vincent Frett. The group represents a diverse cross-section of the agricultural sector in the Territory, including one livestock farmer, three crop farmers, and one apiculture (bee) farmer.

While Mr. Hodge and Ms. Fahie were unable to attend the official handover, their tanks were delivered directly to their farms with assistance from the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DOAF) Livestock and Animal Control Team.

“The water tanks are intended to support rainwater harvesting and storage, contributing to improved irrigation systems, increased agricultural production, and enhanced water reserves for livestock,” Mr. Clarke explained. “As part of programme oversight, all recipient farms will be visited to verify the installation and usage of the tanks.”

This initiative underscores the Government of The Virgin Islands' continued commitment to strengthening the resilience and sustainability of the Virgin Islands’ agricultural sector through strategic partnerships and targeted resource support.

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About:

The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries is responsible for the development, regulation, and sustainable management of the Territory’s agricultural and fisheries sectors. It also enforces relevant legislation to ensure the responsible use of land and marine resources. The Department ensures that food is safe, nutritionally sound, and produced and harvested in an environmentally sustainable manner. It also works to build resilience to internal and external shocks while contributing to economic growth, social well-being, and the protection of the natural environment.